Military Eliminates Terrorist Kingpins, Arrests 1,191, Rescues 543 Victims — Defence Headquarters

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant achievements by the Nigerian Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism and criminality across the country, revealing that troops neutralised dozens of notorious terrorists and apprehended 1,191 suspects between April and June.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on military operations for the second quarter of 2024.

Kangye said the troops under various operations including Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Fasin Yamma, Operation Safe Haven, Operation UDO KA, and Operation Delta Safe recorded impressive successes during the period under review.

According to him, several high-profile terrorist commanders were eliminated in the operations. Those killed include Amir Abu Fatimah, Kinging Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Mallam Jidda, Maiwada, Mai Dada, and Nwachi Eze, also known as Onowu.

“Just two days ago, the notorious bandit leader Yellow Danbokkolo succumbed to injuries sustained during a clash with troops last week, where many of his top lieutenants were also neutralised,” Kangye revealed.

He added that troops also apprehended several wanted gunrunners and kidnappers, including Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Adamu Dan Mai, Idi Yusuf, Hassan Bello, Muhammed Isah, Shimu Adamu, Ismaila Hassan, Michael, and Shittu Muazu.

“Our troops eliminated several terrorist kingpins and their fighters, arrested over 1,191 suspects, and successfully rescued 543 kidnapped victims,” the Defence spokesperson stated.

Kangye explained that the military has sustained pressure on terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s security and economy.

He also reported that the quarter witnessed the mass surrender of Boko Haram and ISWAP/JAS terrorists, with 682 fighters and their family members laying down their arms due to overwhelming military firepower.

In the South-South region, troops under Operation Delta Safe disrupted illegal oil activities, preventing oil theft valued at over ₦3.5 billion, Kangye disclosed.

Recovered items during the anti-oil theft operations include:

• 2.38 million litres of stolen crude oil
• 605,393 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
• 41,465 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK)
• 26,905 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)

Major General Kangye commended the field commanders and troops for their courage and commitment across all operational zones.

“We sincerely appreciate the unwavering dedication of our field commanders and their personnel in ensuring that threats to Nigeria’s peace and stability are effectively tackled,” he said.

He also assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to adhering to established rules and standards, including the Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations, the Laws of Armed Conflict, and the Rules of Engagement.

The Defence Headquarters further acknowledged the role of the media in keeping the public informed about the ongoing efforts of the military to safeguard the nation.